GLOBAL COMMUNICATIONS FOR THE DIGITAL AGE

Quick: What does the United States, Liberia and Myanmar have in common? These countries do not use the metric system. True fact! The U.S. uses the “customary system”, which was developed from English units, used in the British Empire. Until the mid 1800s, the units of measurements of the UK and the US were virtually the same. But as of today, the UK uses metric system, like 99% of the world.

Consider this: Back in 1999, NASA lost a $125 million Mars orbiter because one engineering team used metric units while another used the “customary units” (e.g., inches, feet and pounds) for a key spacecraft operation. (source: NASA REPORT ) Continue reading →

Everyone knows that Brazil hosts the biggest (and best) carnaval in the world. But did you know that this year’s big event reached new records? Perhaps as a reflection of the number of people who visited during the World Cup and came back. Or because of those who did not go for the World Cup and realized they would not miss another chance to party in Brazil! But this year’s carnaval numbers show that more and more visitors are in love with Brazil!

Imagine a world where dragons, double-headed eagles and flying horses are the national symbols of countries. Yeah, like Game of Thrones, I hear you thinking. But no, my friends. In this day and right on Planet Earth, there are many countries with a national animal straight out of fantasy stories. Case in point: Scotland. National animal: The Unicorn. And wait till you see North Korea’s official noble beast….

Without further ado, here’s my list of most awesome national animals that aren’t real animals:

Planning a trip to South Africa? Fan of Nelson Mandela and bunny rabbits? Quick, head to the government complex in Pretoria to see not only the largest statue of the South African leader in the world, but the only statue of Mandela with a bunny in its ear!

Most people love Joe Biden’s ability to speak from the hip. He is honest, straight to the point, and when he described LaGuardia Airport “like a Third World Country,” he was absolutely right. To be fair, he was comparing LaGuardia with the Hong Kong International Airport, but the same comparison could be made with at least 10 other international airports!

New York, July 15, 2014 – According to information by the federal government, one million foreign tourists visited Brazil during the World Cup. That’s way above the estimated 600,000 expected prior to the games. A study conducted by the Ministry of Tourism shows that Brazil welcomed tourists from 203 different countries during the World Cup. For most of them (61%), it was their first time in Brazil and they praised infrastructure and tourism related services.Continue reading →

Despite what CNN, Huffington Post, GQ and many others will tell you, Jason Momoa’s audition tape for “Game of Thrones” is NOT an impressive piece of work. He is doing the Haka, a traditional ancestral war cry, dance or challenge from the Māori people of New Zealand.Continue reading →